1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 750 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Abarth | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 850 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
